Stock snagging mechanism for continuous winding machine

ABSTRACT

A snagging mechanism for anchoring flexible stock material to a rotating take-up spool of a continuous winding machine without interrupting rotation of the spool is disclosed. Constructionally the snagging mechanism is comprised of two members which are movable with respect to each other between two positions. In one position the members are positioned closely adjacent each other to thereby define therebetween a stock receiving groove for snagging and anchoring the stock relative to the take-up spool. In the other position the members are spaced apart to permit release of the stock and automatic cleaning of the groove for subsequent operation.

United States Patent 1 Pepe et a1.

[ STOCK SNAGGING MECHANISM FOR CONTINUOUS WINDING MACHINE [75] lnventors: David L. Pepe, Meriden; Theodore 0. Palm, North Haven; Frank B. Johnson, Middletown, all of Conn.

[73] Assignee: Davis Electric Company,

Wallingford, Conn.

221 Filed: Dec. 4, 1972 1211 Appl. No: 311,527

[52] US. Cl 242/25 A [51] Int. Cl B65h 54/02 [58] Field of Search 1. 242/25 A [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,546,636 3/1951 Hanson et a1 242/25 A 2,961,175 11/1960 Oetrick et a1..... 242/25 A 2,971,713 2/1961 Henning 1 242/25 A 3,186,653 6/1965 Stefaniszyn 1 1. 242/25 A 3 463,407 8/1969 Minardi et a1. 242/25 A Taki 242/25 A Brown 242/25 A [57] ABSTRACT A snagging mechanism for anchoring flexible stock material to a rotating take-up spool of a continuous winding machine without interrupting rotation of the spool is disclosed. Constructionally the snagging mechanism is comprised of two members which are movable with respect to each other between two positions. In one position the members are positioned closely adjacent each other to thereby define therebetween a stock receiving groove for snagging and anchoring the stock relative to the take-up spool. 1n the other position the members are spaced apart to permit release of the stock and automatic cleaning of the groove for subsequent operation.

14 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PAIENIEnum a 51914 SHEET 1094 in W lmilh.

1 STOCK SNAGGING MECHANISM-FOR CONTINUOUS WINDING MACHINE BACKGROUND 'OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to machines which operate to wind flexible stock material such aswire or cable onto take-up spools in a continuous fashion. With such machines, the stockis wound about a series of rotatably mounted take-up spool one at a time. When one spool becomes filled the stock is automatically transferred to an empty spool for winding thereon and so forth until the required member of spools has been filled.

In order not to interrupt continuous operation of such machines they are equipped with. a means for transferring the stock from a filledspool to an empty spool without stopping the winding operation. This transfer means generally includes a distributor means which moves the stock into position to'be wound on'the empty spool. a snagging-means for anchoring thesto'ck material relative to theempty take-up spool and a cutting means which'operates to severthe stock after it has been anchored to the empty take-upspool at a point between the filled and empty spool so that the winding may continue uninteruptedly-on the empty spool andso that the filled spool may be replaced with an empty spool ready to be filled with stock at the appropriate time. All of the aforementioned means are operated in a carefully controlled time sequence while winding on the spool being filled continues.

ln machines of this type the snagging means, in construction, commonly includes a gripping element mounted for rotation with the empty or to-be-filled take-up spool/The gripping element has a generally V- shaped stock receiving recess or groove formed therein which functions to snag the stock and anchor it relative to the'empty take-up spool by a wedging action during angular displacement of the take-up spool. The distrib utor means, of course, appropriately positions the stock so that it lies in the angular or rotational path of the gripping element.

The gripping element in such constructions is mounted on the support means mounting the take-up spool in a position adjacent the flange of the take-up spool. To remove a filled take-up spool the stock must first befreed from its wedged-in position in the stock receiving groove of the gripping element. This is accomplished by manually yanking the stock out of the groove or by otherwise prying it free. With such a procedure, however, tiny fragments of the stock are tornoff and often left wedged in the groove. Also the stock is sometimes unavoidably torn as it is snagged and wedged into the groove producing torn-off fragments of stock to potentially clog the groove. After repeated use these fragments may accumulate to such an extent that they interfere with proper functioning of. the groove thus necessitating shut-down of the machine to permit the gripping element groove to be cleaned. It will be recognized that the necessity for stopping the machine for cleaning is costly and time consuming and generally detracts from the usefulness of the overall machine. The present invention eliminates the disadvantages caused by clogging of the gripping element groove.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the teachings of the present in- 2 vention a self-cleaning snagging machanism for use in continuous winding machinery is provided. In construction the snagging means includes a seating surface on the rotatable support means removably mounting the take-up spool and a gripping member mounted for rotational movementwith the take-up spool and for axial movement relative to the take-up spool between a normally closed position and an open position. In its closed position a stock receiving groove is defined between the gripping member and the seating surface which operates to snag and anchor the stock by a wedging action. In its open position the gripping memberis spaced from the seating surface by a distance sufficient to permit release of the stock from the groove. The snagging mechanism also includes selectively operable means for moving the gripping member from its closed to open position when the take-up spool is filled iwth stock. With this construction the necessity of yanking or prying the stock out of the groove is eliminated with the result that the likelihood of leaving potentially groove clogging torn-off fragments of stock in the groove is substantially eliminated. Furthermore, any such stock fragments naturally resulting from unavoidable tearing of the stock as it is snagged are permitted to fall out of the groove when the gripping member is moved to its open position. I

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a winding machine utilizing a snagging mechanism according to thepr'es ent invention partially broken away to show thesnagging mechanism. associated with spools of the machine.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the snagging mechanism shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional viewof the snagging mechganisjmi ken along the lines 3-3 of FIG. 2 showing the one of the take-up gripping member in its closed position.

. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to that shown i in FIG. 3 but showing the gripping member in its open position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the gripping member and seating surface of the snagging mechanism shown in openposition.

FIG. 5a is an elevational view of the gripping member and seating surface of the snagging mechanism shown in closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to FIG. 1, the winding machine shown generally includes a pair of spaced apart rotatable spool supporting means 2 and 3 each of which is adapted to removably mount a take-up spool about which flexible stock material is to be wound. In a inachine of this type the stock material 4 is fed from a suitable supply spool (not shown) over a guide roller 5 to a distributor means 6 mounting a pair of rotatable guide rollers 7 and then to one of the take-up spools for winding thereon. The distributor means 6 is mounted for timed traversing movement back and forth between the two take-up spools to wind the stock first on to one of the take-up spools and then to move the stock into a cross-over distribution path for transfer to the other is shown in a cross-over position for transferring the stock from spool 2' on support means 2 which is full to spool 3' on support means 3 which is empty. As shown the stock is held in the position shown in FIG. 1 where it will be snagged by the snagging mechanism mounted on support means 3 to thereby anchor it with respect to the spool 3 so that winding about the spool3' as it rotates can begin. For a more complete description of the construction and operation of the winding machine reference is made-to co-pending and' commonly assigned U.S. Patent application Ser. No; 254,717 which was filed on May 18, 1972. For purposesof understanding the present invention, it is only necessary to recognize that the stock is brought into "the position shown in FIG. 1 where it can be operated on by the snagging mechanism.

With reference now to FIG. 3 it will be seen that the take-up spool support means of the winding machine includes spindle 21, flange 20, ring 23, block 11 and hubs 40 and 4]. Flange 20 is mounted on a spindle 21 which is connected to drive shaft 22 by key 43. Drive shaft 22 is driven by a suitable drive means such as a motor (not shown). Ring 23 is attached by screws 24 to the periphery of flange 23 as shown. The ring 20 is equipped with recesses 20a situated at diametrically opposed position on the ring. Each recess 20a accommodates a block 11 which is held in place therein by screws 25. I

As shown hubs 40 and 41 are receivable within opposite ends of the core 42 of the take-up spool and are axially aligned with respect to each other relative to the axis of core 42. Hub 40 is rotated with spindle 21 by means of shaft 22. Hub 41 is mounted for axially movement between its position shown in FIG. 3 wherein it will be seen that the distance separating the hubs is less than the axial length of the spool core 42 and the position shown by dotted lines in FIG. 4 wherein it will be noticed that the distance separating the hubs is greater than the axial length of the spool core 42. The latter position of hub 41 permits removal of a filled spool from the hubs and also permits placement of an empty spool between the two hubs for subsequent mounting on the hubs as will be more fully described below. For the purpose of moving hub 41 between the two described positions, there is provided a pneumatically operated power source, indicated generally by reference numeral 44 in FIG. 1, which is connected to the hub 41 by means of rod 46. The spool engaging ends 40a and 41a of the hubs 40 and 41, respectively, are tapered to a reduced diameter to provide lead-in clearance facilitating insertion of the hubs into the core of the take-up spool.

The snagging mechanism of the present invention includes a seating surface. In the construction shown, the seating surface is formed in block 11 'and includes, as best shown in FIG. 5, a tapered portion 13 extending into abeveled portion 14. Tapered portion 13 has a recessed area 12 therein forming edges 13a in the seating surface the purpose of which will be described hereinafter.

The snagging mechanism further includes a gripping member which cooperates with the seating surface to form a stock receiving groove operable to receive an anchor the stock relative to the take-up spool. The gripping member is connected to the spool support I 4 means for rotation therewith and is mounted for movement in an axial direction relative to the spool between a closed and open position relative to the seating surface. In the construction shown the gripping member includes a disc 26 and a relatively sharp pointed pin element l0 fixed to one end of angle bracket 35 the other end of which is fixed to disc 26 by screws 36. The disc plate 26 carries an annular spacer ring 27 and is mounted on spindle 21 for axial movement relative to the take-up spool on annular bearing 28 disposed about spindle 21. As shown, a series of evenly spaced dowel pins 32 are threaded into disc 26. Each dowel pin 32 is slidably received in the bore of a bushing 33 which is threadedly secured to flange 20. The disc 26 is connected to the flange 20 for rotation therewith by a series of evenly spaced shoulder screws 29 which are threaded into flange 20 as shown. Each shoulder screw is seated within'a recess 30 extending through disc 26 and part way through spacer ring 27 and terminating in an internal shoulder 31. The diameter of each recess 30 is slightly larger than the diameter of the respective shoulder screw head. With this arrangement disc 26 is secured rotationally to the flange 20 without interfering with axial movement of the disc relative to spindle 21. The limit of this axial movement is equal to the spacing between the shoulder screw head and shoulder 31 in recess 30.

Mounted on the outer face 26a of disc 26 by screws 37 is an annular friction pad 38 made of a suitable material such as rubber. The friction pad engages the flange 17 of the take-up spool to rotationally drive the take-up spool with its support means.

For the purpose of moving the gripping member between its closed and open position selectively operable means is provided. This means includes a compression spring 34 surrounding the bushing 33 between disc 26 and flange 20. One end of spring 34 bears against flange 20 and the other end bears against disc 26. During winding the disc is held in its closed position as shown in FIG. 3 thus compressing spring 34. Thus spring 34 normally acts to urge disc 24 away from flange 20 into its open position as shown in FIG. 4 and to be described more fully hereinafter.

The selectively operable means also includes a releasable retaining means for holding the disc in the closed position. In the construction shown, the retaining means consists of flange 45 mounted on hub 41. With the hub 41 in its forward position within the spool core the flange 45 engages the flange 18 of the take-up spool to tightly press the take-up spool into engagement with the friction pad 38 on the disc and to hold the disc in its closed position against the force of spring 34. i

The selectively operable means also includes an actuating means for releasing the retaining means. This means comprises a switch (not shown) for the pneumatically operated drive means which controls the movement of the hub 41. When activated the hub is withdrawn out of the spool core thus disengaging the flange 45 from the take-up spool to thereby automatically permit the disc to move to its open position under the force exerted by the spring 34. Movement of the disc to its open position also acts to spool off hub 40.

With reference again to FIG. '1, an alignment means is provided for the purpose of properly positioning an empty take-up spool between the hubs for automatic push the take-up pick up and mounting on the hubs. As shown, this means comprises a combined spool feeding and discharging ramp, indicated generally by reference numeral 50, positioned beneath each of the take-up spool support means. Each ramp 50 is comprised of two platforms 51 and 52. Platform 51 is sloped in a direction leading out of the machine. One end of the platform 52 is pivotally connected at 53 to ramp 51. The other end of platform 52 is pivotally attached to stop rail 54. With this arrangement, platform 52 may be tilted between a loading and unloading position. In the loading position platform 52 is disposed at an attitude where it is downwardly inclined in a direction leading toward the respective spool support means. In the unloading position the platform 52 is disposed in an attitude where it is downwardly inclined in a direction leading away from the respective spool support means toward platform 51. The loading position for platform 52 is depictedfor the spool supporting means 3 in FIG. 1 while the unloading position of platform 52 is depicted for the spool supporting means 2 in FIG. 1. Each platform 52 may be tilted between its two positions by means of a suitable actuating linkage (not shown). To insure proper alignment of an empty spool between the two hubs when hub 41 is in its retracted position, the stop rail 54 and platform 52 are carefully positioned to hold an empty take-up spool between hubs 40 and 41 such that its axis is offset from the axis of the aligned hubs in any direction by no more than the lead-in clearance x.

The operation of the snagging mechanism is described as follows. During winding of stock material about the take-up spool the assembly occupies the position shown in FIG. 3. In this position it will be seen that the disc of the gripping member 26 is held in its closed position. The movable hub 41 is in its forward position so that the take-up spool is firmly supported on hubs 40 and 41. In this position sufficient force is exerted against the take-up spool flange 18 by flange 45 to overcome the force of compression spring 34 which, as mentioned above, tends to urge movement of the disc 26 into its open position.

Before and during winding it will be recognized that the pin which is fixed to disc 26 is also held in its closed position. As shown most clearly in FIG. 5a, in this position the pin is disposed within the recessed portion 12 of the seating surface at a point slightly spaced therefrom such that the edges 13a of the seating surface intersect the surface of pin 10. A stock receiving groove is thereby defined between the pin 10 and the tapered portion 13 of the seating surface. The mouth of groove 16 is defined between the beveled portion 14 of the seating surface and the point 10a of pin 10. This stock receiving groove operates to receive and anchor the stock by firmly wedging it between the pin and the edges 13a of the seating surface.

When the spool is filled with stock material, the movable hub 41 is moved to its retracted position as shown by dotted lines in FIG. 4. Upon such movement the disc 26 and pin 10 are automatically moved under the force of compression spring 34 to the open position. The open position is shown in FIG. 4. Such movement also pushes the filled spool off of hub 41 at which point it drops on the platform 52 as shown by dotted lines in FIG. 4. When in the open position it will be recognized that any torn-off stock fragments are permitted to fall away thus leaving the stock receiving groove in a clean condition for subsequent operation.

To remove the filled takeup spool from the machine, the machine operator simply moves platform 52 into its unloading position thus permitting the filled spool to roll under the influence of gravity down ramp 52 to 5 ramp 51 and ultimately out of the machine. During the operation of removing the filled take-up spool from the machine the stock is transferred to the other take-up spool and begins winding thereon.

Upon removal of the filled take-up spool from the machine an empty spool is placed on platform 52. Platform 52 is then moved to its loading position thus causing the empty take-up spool to roll down platform 52 into contact with stop rail 54. In this position the spool is disposed between hubs 40 and 41. The movable hub 41 is then moved to its forward position during which movement the empty take-up spool is automatically lifted onto the hubs 41 and 40. With the hub 41 in its forward position, the disc plate 26 and pin 10 of the gripping member are in their closed position as shown in FIG. 3 and await transfer of the stock from the other take-up spool at which point the stock is snagged by the gripping member and anchored in the stock receiving groove defined between the pin and seating surface. Winding of the stock about the empty take-up spool then begins as previously described.

We claim:

1. In a machine for winding flexible stock material about a take-up spool mounted on a rotatable support means for rotation therewith and having snagging means for anchoring the stock material relative to-the take-up spool to permit winding of the stock material as the spool rotates and selectively operable means for moving the snagging means from a closed position to an open position when the take-up spool is filled with stock material, the improvement in the snagging means comprising:

a. a seating surface on the support means, said seating surface having a tapered portion having a recess therein defining edges on the seating surface; and

b. a gripping member comprising a pin element mounted on the support means for rotational movement with the spool and for linear movement with respect thereto in a direction extending axially thereof between a closed position where the pin element is received at least partially in the recess of the seating surface with the edges on the seating surface intersecting the pin element to define therebetween a stock receiving groove operable to receive and anchor the stock material relative to the take-up spool by a wedging action and an open position where the pin element and seating surface are spaced apart by a distance sufficient to permit release of the stock material from said groove.

2. In a machine according to claim 1 wherein the selectively operable means includes:

a. spring means cooperatively engaging the gripping 6 member and support means for normally biasing the gripping member into its open position;

b. releasable retaining means for holding the gripping member in its closed position against the force exerted by the spring means; and

c. actuating means for releasing the retaining means to automatically permit movement of the gripping member into open position.

3. In a machine according to claim 2 wherein:

a. the gripping member extends between the spool and the support means in abutting contact with the take-up spool; and b. the retaining means engages the take-up spool to prevent movement of the take-up spool away from the support means. 4. In a machine according to claim 3 wherein: a. said support means includes:

1. a hub member removably disposed within on end of the take-up spool core; and

2 a second hub removably disposed within the other end of the take-up spool core, said second hub being mounted for movement between a forward position disposed within the take-up spool core as aforesaid and a retracted position removed therefrom; and

b. the retaining means is mounted on the second hub.

5. In a machine according to claim 4 wherein:

a. the gripping member includes:

1. a disc slidably mounted on the first hub for axial movement with respect thereto and with respect to the spool mounted thereon; and

2. a pin element mounted on the disc and positioned adjacent the seating surface, said stock receiving groove being defined by the space between the pin element and the seating surface.

6. In a machine according to claim 5 wherein:

a. the support means further includes a circular flange mounting the first hub and having a ring attached to the periphery thereof, said ring extending in a direction extending axially with respect to the take-up spool; and

b. the seating surface is carried by said ring.

7. In a machine according to claim 5 wherein:

a. the seating surface has a tapered portion having a recess therein defining edges on the seating surface, said recess being adapted to receive at least a portion of the pin element when in its closed position such that said edges intersect the pin element.

8. In a machine according to claim 5 wherein:

a. said pin element has a relatively sharp pointed tip;

and

b. the seating surface has a beveled portion intersecting said tapered portion, said beveled portion and said tip defining the mouth of the stock receiving groove.

9. In a machine according to claim 4 wherein the retaining means comprises a flange for engaging the end of the take-up spool.

10. In a machine according to claim 1 wherein:

a. said pin element has a relatively sharp pointed tip;

and

b. the seating surface hasa beveled portion intersecting said tapered portion, said beveled portion and said tip defining the mouth of the stock receiving groove.

1]. In a machine for winding flexible stock material about a take-up spool mounted on a rotatable support means for rotation therewith and having a snagging means for anchoring the stock relative to the take-up spool to permit winding of the stock material as the spool rotates, the improvement in said snagging means comprising:

a. a seating surface on the support means, said seating surface including:

1. an elongated recess having a curved crosssectional shape, and

2. a flat surface on each laterally opposite side of the groove, the flat surfaces forming edges along said grooves and being tapered relative to the longitudinal axis of the recess to provide a shallow depth to the recess at one end thereof; and

b. a gripping member comprising an elongated pin element having a curved outer peripheral crosssectional shape, said pin element being mounted on the support means for rotational movement with the spool and for linear movement with respect thereto in a direction axially thereof between a closed position where the pin element is at least partially disposed within the recess of the seating surface with the edges of-the recess lying in a plane intersected by the pin element to define therebetween a stock receiving groove operable to receive and anchor the stock material relative to the takeup spool by a wedging action and an open position where the pin element is spaced from said seating surface by a distance sufficient to permit release of the stock material from said groove.

12. In a machine according to claim 11 wherein:

a. said pin element has a pointed end at the shallow end of the recess, said pointed end being positioned out of the recess when the pin element is in said closed position.

13. In a machine for winding flexible stock material about a take-up spool and having a snagging means for anchoring the stock relative to the take-up spool to permit winding of the stock thereabout as the spool rotates comprising:

a. support means for rotatably mounting said take-up spool, said support means including:

1. a hub member removably disposed within one end of the take-up spool core, and

2. a second hub removably disposed within the other end of the take-up spool core, said second hub being mounted for movement between a forward position disposed within the take-up spool core and a retracted position removed therefrom;

b. a seating surface on the support means;

c. a gripping member mounted on the support means and extending between the spool and the-support means in abutting contact with the take-up spool, said gripping member being mounted for rotational movement with the spool and for linear movement with respect thereto in a direction extending axially thereof between a closed position where the gripping member and the seating surface define therebetween a stock receiving groove operable to receive and anchor the stock relative to the take-up spool by a wedging action and a normally open position where said gripping member and said seating surface are spaced apart by a distance sufficient to permit release of the stock from said groove, said gripping member including:

1. a disc slidably mounted on the first hub for axial movement with respect thereto and with the spool as the latter is mounted thereon, and

2. a pin element mounted on the disc and positioned adjacent the seatingsurface, said stock receiving groove being defined by the space between the pin element and the seating surface; and d. selectively operable means for moving said gripping member from said closed position to said open position when the take-up spool is filled with stock material and including: 1. spring means cooperatively engaging the gripping member and support means for normally biasing the gripping member into its open position,

2. releasable retaining means mounted on said second hub and engaging the take-up spool to prevent movement of the take-up spool away from the support means so as to hold the gripping member in its closed position against the force exerted by the spring means,

and

3. actuating means for releasing the retaining means to automatically permit movement of the gripping member into open position.

14. In a machine for winding flexible stock material about a take-up spool and having a snagging means for anchoring the stock relative to the take-up spool to permit winding of the stock thereabout as the spool rotates comprising:

a. support means for rotatably mounting said take-up spool, said support means including:

1. a hub member onto which one end of said takeup spool is slidably mountable;

b. a seating surface on the support means;

c. a gripping member mounted on the support means and extending between the spool and the support means in abutting contact with the take-up spool, said gripping member being mounted for rotational movement with the spool and for linear movement with respect thereto in a direction extending axially thereof between a closed position where the gripping member and the seating surface define therebetween a stock receiving groove operable to receive and anchor the stock relative to the take-up spool by a wedging action and a normally open position where said gripping member and said seating surface are spaced apart by a distance sufficient to permit release of the stock from said groove, said gripping member including: 1. a disc slidably mounted on the hub for axial movement with respect thereto and with the spool as the latter is mounted thereon,

and

2. a pin element mounted on the disc and positioned adjacent the seating surface, said stock receiving groove being defined by the space between the pin element and the seating surface; and

d selectively operable means for moving said gripping member from said closed position to said open position when the take-up spool is filled with stock material and including:

1 spring means cooperatively engaging the gripping member and support means for normally biasing the gripping member into its open position,

2 releasable retaining means for preventing movement of the take-up spool away from the support means so as to hold the gripping member in its closed position against the force exerted by the spring means, and

3 actuating means for releasing the retaining means to automatically permit movement of the gripping member into open position. 

1. In a machine for winding flexible stock material about a take-up spool mounted on a rotatable support means for rotation therewith and having snagging means for anchoring the stock material relative to the take-up spool to permit winding of the stock material as the spool rotates and selectively operable means for moving the snagging means from a closed position to an open position when the take-up spool is filled with stock material, the improvement in the snagging means comprising: a. a seating surface on the support means, said seating surface having a tapered portion having a recess therein defining edges on the seating surface; and b. a gripping member comprising a pin element mounted on the support means for rotational movement with the spool and for linear movement with respect thereto in a direction extending axially thereof between a closed position where the pin element is received at least partially in the recess of the seating surface with the edges on the seating surface intersecting the pin element to define therebetween a stock receiving groove operable to receive and anchor the stock material relative to the take-up spool by a wedging action and an open position where the pin element and seating surface are spaced apart by a distance sufficient to permit release of the stock material from said groove.
 2. In a machine according to claim 1 wherein the selectively operable means includes: a. spring means cooperatively engaging the gripping member and support means for normally biasing the gripping member into its open position; b. releasable retaining means for holding the gripping member in its closed position against the force exerted by the spring means; and c. actuating means for releasing the retaining means to automatically permit movement of the gripping member into open position.
 2. a pin element mounted on the disc and positioned adjacent the seating surface, said stock receiving groove being defined by the space between the pin element and the seating surface.
 2. releasable retaining means mounted on said second hub and engaging the take-up spool to prevent movement of the take-up spool away from the support means so as to hold the gripping member in its closed position against the force exerted by the spring means, and
 2. a pin element mounted on the disc and positioned adjacent the seating surface, said stock receiving groove being defined by the space between the pin element and the seating surface; and d. selectively operable means for moving said gripping member from said closed position to said open position when the take-up spool is filled with stock material and including:
 2. a second hub removably disposed within the other end of the take-up spool core, said second hub being mounted for movement between a forward position disposed within the take-up spool core and a retracted position removed therefrom; b. a seating surface on the support means; c. a gripping member mounted on the support means and extending between the spool and the support means in abutting contact with the take-up spool, said gripping member being mounted for rotational movement with the spool and for linear movement with respect thereto in a direction extending axially thereof between a closed position where the gripping member and the seating surface define therebetween a stock receiving groove operable to receive and anchor the stock relative to the take-up spool by a wedging action and a normally open position where said gripping member and said seating surface are spaced apart by a distance sufficient to permit release of the stock from said groove, said gripping member including:
 2. a pin element mounted on the disc and positioned adjacent the seating surface, said stock receiving groove being defined by the space between the pin element and the seating surface; and d selectively operable means for moving said gripping member from said closed position to said open position when the take-up spool is filled with stock material and including: 1 spring means cooperatively engaging the gripping member and support means for normally biasing the gripping member into its open position, 2 releasable retaining means for preventing movement of the take-up spool away from the support means so as to hold the gripping member in its closed position against the force exerted by the spring means, and 3 actuating means for releasing the retaining means to automatically permit movement of the gripping member into open position.
 2. a flat surface on each laterally opposite side of the groove, the flat surfaces forming edges along said grooves and being tapered relative to the longitudinal axis of the recess to provide a shallow depth to the recess at one end thereof; and b. a gripping member comprising an elongated pin element having a curved outer peripheral cross-sectional shape, said pin element being mounted on the support means for rotational movement with the spool and for linear movement with respect thereto in a direction axially thereof between a closed position where the pin element is at least partially disposed within the recess of the seating surface with the edges of the recess lying in a plane intersected by the pin element to define therebetween a stock receiving groove operable to receive and anchor the stock material relative to the take-up spool by a wedging action and an open position where the pin element is spaced from said seating surface by a distance sufficient to permit release of the stock material from said groove.
 3. actuating means for releasing the retaining means to automatically permit movement of the gripping member into open position.
 3. In a machine according to claim 2 wherein: a. the gripping member extends between the spool and the support means in abutting contact with the take-up spool; and b. the retaining means engages the take-up spool to prevent movement of the take-up spool away from the support means.
 4. In a machine according to claim 3 wherein: a. said support means includes:
 5. In a machine according to claim 4 wherein: a. the gripping member includes:
 6. In a machine according to claim 5 wherein: a. the support means further includes a circular flange mounting the first hub and having a ring attached to the periphery thereof, said ring extending in a direction extending axially with respect to the take-up spool; and b. the seating surface is carried by said ring.
 7. In a machine according to claim 5 wherein: a. the seating surface has a tapered portion having a recess therein defining edges on the seating surface, said recess being adapted to receive at least a portion of the pin element when in its closed position such that said edges intersect the pin element.
 8. In a machine according to claim 5 wherein: a. said pin element has a relatively sharp pointed tip; and b. the seating surface has a beveled portion intersecting said tapered portion, said beveled portion and said tip defining the mouth of the stock receiving groove.
 9. In a machine according to claim 4 wherein the retaining means comprises a flange for engaging the end of the take-up spool.
 10. In a machine according to claim 1 wherein: a. said pin element has a relatively sharp pointed tip; and b. the seating surface Has a beveled portion intersecting said tapered portion, said beveled portion and said tip defining the mouth of the stock receiving groove.
 11. In a machine for winding flexible stock material about a take-up spool mounted on a rotatable support means for rotation therewith and having a snagging means for anchoring the stock relative to the take-up spool to permit winding of the stock material as the spool rotates, the improvement in said snagging means comprising: a. a seating surface on the support means, said seating surface including:
 12. In a machine according to claim 11 wherein: a. said pin element has a pointed end at the shallow end of the recess, said pointed end being positioned out of the recess when the pin element is in said closed position.
 13. In a machine for winding flexible stock material about a take-up spool and having a snagging means for anchoring the stock relative to the take-up spool to permit winding of the stock thereabout as the spool rotates comprising: a. support means for rotatably mounting said take-up spool, said support means including:
 14. In a machine for winding flexible stock material about a take-up spool and having a snagging means for anchoring the stock relative to the take-up spool to permit winding of the stock thereabout as the spool rotates comprising: a. support means for rotatably mounting said take-up spool, said support means including: 